Manipur Civil Bodies Urge End to Peace Talks with Kuki Armed Groups
Tensions in the northeastern state of Manipur escalated once again as prominent Meitei civil society organisations demanded that the central government terminate the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki armed groups. The organisations, including the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), accused Kuki militant outfits of exploiting the peace pact to destabilise the state.
Allegations of Breach of Trust
The groups allege that the Kuki insurgents, who are under a ceasefire agreement with the Centre, have been engaging in violent activities under the cover of peace talks. They claim that these groups are responsible for recent unrest in the region and are using arms and funding intended for peace-building for separatist objectives.
According to COCOMI and other Imphal-based organisations, the armed groups continue to maintain illegal bunkers, smuggle weapons, and exert territorial control in the hill regions — actions they say violate the spirit of the SoO agreement.
Increasing Ethnic Tensions
The demand to cancel peace deals comes amid ongoing ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities, which erupted in May 2023. Hundreds have died, and thousands remain displaced. Civil groups argue that the continuation of peace talks with Kuki militants while ethnic violence continues sends a wrong signal and undermines the authority of the state.
They have called for an “immediate review” of all existing peace agreements and demanded that any group involved in recent violence be blacklisted from negotiations.
Call for Unified Action
Manipur-based civil bodies also appealed to the central government to ensure the territorial integrity of the state and prevent any attempt to create separate administrative arrangements for Kukis, which they view as a step towards disintegration.
While the Centre has so far maintained that dialogue is necessary to restore peace in Manipur, growing pressure from Meitei groups could influence future decisions regarding ongoing ceasefire arrangements with Kuki insurgent outfits.